From courtroom to engine room: there is always more than one choice

Evie Rushforth, a recent Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE graduate, is an example of what it means to have the courage to change professions and try something new. 

Earlier this year Evie completed her Mechanical Trade apprenticeship and is now employed full time as Fitter and Turner at a mining company in the Northern Territory. 

However, ten years ago Evie was pursuing legal studies. The decision to switch fields required a drastic change, including a move across Australia and the realisation she enjoyed the physicality of the trades.  

“When I first moved to Darwin, I actually studied horticulture at CDU TAFE, and while I was working at a nursery, I noticed how much I truly enjoyed the hands-on physical tasks and being able to see where my energy is going,” Evie said. 

It was this job and a nudge from a friend that pushed her into an apprenticeship at South32 in the fuel department where she learned how to build and maintain fuel systems.  

After completing a MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade, she now works full time at Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) as a Fitter and Turner and feels lucky to have her career and call Darwin home.

“I honestly feel really lucky to have found my passion in the skilled trades and to be living in the NT, it is the land of opportunity if you are willing to give things a go,” she said. 

CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE Michael Hamilton said Evie’s story was a great example of vocational education delivering employment outcomes.  

“Evie now has a secure skilled job that she loves, that is exactly what CDU TAFE is all about,” Mr Hamilton said.

“With the NT and all of Australia facing skills shortages in the trades, CDU TAFE continues to provide an important service in training the workforce of the future.”

Evie recently won the 2025 Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year Award at the NT Training Awards and is now a finalist for the 2025 Australian Apprentice of the Year Award. 

This year the Australian Training Awards will be held in Darwin on Friday 5 December.